Future arrives as Spurs select Wembanyama with first pick of NBA draft

Frenchman has been touted as once in a generation talent

GENERATIONAL TALENT: Victor Wembanyama (R) poses with NBA commissioner Adam Silver (L) after being drafted first overall pick by the San Antonio Spurs during the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Pic: Sarah Stier/Getty Images

There was little doubt it would happen but San Antonio Spurs fans celebrated anyway when their team selected the phenomenally talented Victor Wembanyama with the first pick of the NBA draft on Thursday night.

The 19-year-old Frenchman has been hailed as the most talented prospect since LeBron James entered the NBA two decades ago. Wembanyama is a very different player from James though: variously listed at 7ft 4in and 7ft 5in, he has all the tools of a big man combined with the agility of a much smaller player. In his final season in the French league he led all players in points, rebounds and blocks.